Kayak Race in China Ends in Blows

Boats collide; paddles raised in anger

The final of the men's 2,000-meter kayaking fours China City Games in Nanchang, China ended in bloodshed early this week when the Nanchang squad retaliated violently after a collision with a team from Guangzhou. The Guangzhou boat reportedly rammed the Nanchang team after a lane violation, and the Nanchang kayakers fought back with their paddles. One blow landed squarely enough to send Guangzhou team captain to the hospital, "covered with blood."